EP0979516B1 - Cable - Google Patents

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Publication number
EP0979516B1
EP0979516B1 EP99938011A EP99938011A EP0979516B1 EP 0979516 B1 EP0979516 B1 EP 0979516B1 EP 99938011 A EP99938011 A EP 99938011A EP 99938011 A EP99938011 A EP 99938011A EP 0979516 B1 EP0979516 B1 EP 0979516B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cable
matrix
elements
core
conducting elements
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP99938011A
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German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0979516A1 (fr
Inventor
David Booth
Herbert Grunsteudel
Michael Hoffmann
John David Smith
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
WL Gore and Associates GmbH
WL Gore and Associates Inc
Original Assignee
WL Gore and Associates GmbH
WL Gore and Associates Inc
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Publication date
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Publication of EP0979516A1 publication Critical patent/EP0979516A1/fr
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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
    • G02B6/4401—Optical cables
    • G02B6/4415—Cables for special applications
    • G02B6/4427—Pressure resistant cables, e.g. undersea cables
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
    • G02B6/4401—Optical cables
    • G02B6/4429—Means specially adapted for strengthening or protecting the cables
    • G02B6/4434—Central member to take up tensile loads
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
    • H01B11/00—Communication cables or conductors
    • H01B11/02—Cables with twisted pairs or quads
    • H01B11/12—Arrangements for exhibiting specific transmission characteristics
    • H01B11/16—Cables, e.g. submarine cables, with coils or other devices incorporated during cable manufacture
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
    • H01B7/00—Insulated conductors or cables characterised by their form
    • H01B7/17—Protection against damage caused by external factors, e.g. sheaths or armouring
    • H01B7/18—Protection against damage caused by wear, mechanical force or pressure; Sheaths; Armouring
    • H01B7/182—Protection against damage caused by wear, mechanical force or pressure; Sheaths; Armouring comprising synthetic filaments

Definitions

  • This invention relates to cable and to the manufacture of cable.
  • the invention has particular application in cable which is likely to be subject to flexing, radial compression and tensile and shear stresses.
  • Embodiments of the invention are suited for use as ocean bottom cable (OBC).
  • OBC ocean bottom cable
  • One method of surveying the geology of subsea strata involves laying long lengths (for example 50 - 60 km lengths) of sensing cable in a serpentine manner on the sea floor; the cable is generally know as ocean bottom cable (OBC).
  • the cable will typically comprise a number of cable sections, for example a 57 km cable may comprise 150 cable sections each of 380 m length, each cable section carrying a number of sensors.
  • Acoustic waves are created in the water above the cable, which waves are reflected at varying amplitudes and angles by the strata beneath the sea floor.
  • the reflected waves are detected by the sensors and the resulting signal output is analysed to produce a seismograph of the subsurface geology of the area.
  • This method of geological surveying is perhaps most commonly used in identifying subsea hydrocarbon-bearing formations with potential for oil or gas production.
  • the OBC is laid on the sea floor using a vessel equipped with an arrangement for deploying and retrieving the cable, known as a "linear traction wrench" or “squirter".
  • the squirter comprises a plurality of pairs of driven wheels, often shod with vehicle tyres, each pair defining a "nip” or "pinch point” for engaging a section of cable.
  • the vessel will follow a serpentine path over the area of sea floor to be surveyed, with the squirter deploying the cable at a corresponding rate. Once the survey has been completed the squirter is operated to retrieve the cable.
  • Conventional OBC comprises a central reinforcing fibre core, a plurality of elongate components, typically insulated conductors helically wound around the core, an extruded sheath, possible further braided fibre reinforcement, and an outer abrasion resistant protective sheath or jacket.
  • a section of the OBC passes through the squirter or is subjected to flexing, compressive and longitudinal forces are quickly transferred to the components and may, in time, result in damage to the components.
  • the components of the cable for example the reinforcing braid, may also shift position within the cable upon flexing. When the cable is next subjected to longitudinal stress, the displaced component may be subject to damage.
  • the squirter must apply significant compressive and longitudinal forces to the cable. These forces are of course first applied to the exterior of the cable and are then transferred radially inward through the components of the cable to the central core. This may place significant stresses on individual components, increasing the possibility of component failure.
  • One recognised failure mechanism is termed "Z-kinking", and involves a component being subject to longitudinal forces which stretch the component beyond its elastic limit or “yield point.” When the forces are removed, the elongated component retracts and is folded back on itself, thereby damaging the component. Furthermore, the different components of the cable may behave differently under stress.
  • the overlying extruded sheath or jacket is likely to have greater elasticity than the adjacent layer of helically wound conductors, which may lead to the jacket extending longitudinally relative to the conductor layer.
  • the longitudinally flexing jacket may damage underlying components.
  • such displacement prevents the effective transfer of shear forces from the jacket to the reinforcing core. The sheath will then bear substantially all of the tension applied to the cable by the squirter, possibly leading to premature failure of the jacket and cable.
  • the jacket's inner profile corresponds to the rope-like surface of the helically wound conductors, such that longitudinal displacement of the jacket relative to the conductor layer may impart considerable localized abrasions and loads upon the conductors.
  • the longitudinal force applied to the cable jacket is typically distributed over longer sections of cable by adding squirter nips.
  • the compressive forces applied at the squirter nips are typically increased, and elaborate controls are sometimes employed to avoid jerking.
  • cables have been filled with oil or other viscous materials with a view to flushing out any trapped air and filling any voids in the cable.
  • Such methods generally have other problems associated with them and are only partially effective. Complete air removal is difficult to achieve, particularly with higher viscosity materials, and lower viscosity fluids require special considerations for filling the cable and may reduce load transfers.
  • EP-A-0 193 780 discloses a submarine cable for optical fibre telecommunications.
  • the cable has a core comprising armouring of antitorsional rope and a plurality of small tubes wound helically and in direct contact with the armouring.
  • the small tubes loosely house the optical fibres and are filled with a practically incompressible fluid such as a petroleum jelly or a silicon grease.
  • US-A-4,196,307 relates to a unitised marine umbilical cable carrying any number or combination of conventional elements such as hoses and electrical cables.
  • a centre stress member disposed along the axis of the marine umbilical cable is capable of supporting an underwater device such as a diving bell should the primary down line break.
  • Cylindrically surrounding the stress member is a compression extrusion of a high strength highly resilient elastomer around which are helically cabled various conventional elements.
  • a resilient fill material Within the interstices between the high strength elastomer and the helically cabled elements.
  • the resilient fill material and high strength highly resilient, low durometer elastomer serve as a radial shock absorber against tensional impact upon the umbilical or radial forces thereupon.
  • a cable comprising: a stress-bearing matrix extending substantially through the length of the cable; and a plurality of conducting elements extending substantially through the length of the cable, said plurality of conducting elements being located within and spaced from one another by said stress-bearing matrix, wherein at least one of the plurality of conducting elements is in intimate contact with a low friction liner disposed about the at least one of the plurality of conducting elements and at least one of the conducting elements is longitudinally moveable relative to the stress-bearing matrix.
  • the provision of the low friction liner disposed about at least one of the conducting elements allows embodiments of the present invention to be designed such that loads are transferred to selected conducting elements at differing rates. This is particularly useful where the elements are fragile or susceptible to stress induced damage, for example, optical fibres or small diameter electrical conductors. Further the flexibility of the cable is improved as relatively inelastic elements, such as metallic conductors, may incur minimal loads over short lengths as the cable flexes.
  • the intimate contact between the conducting element and the liner of the present invention provides the cable with structural stability, that is the conducting element will not move laterally within the liner as the cable experiences stresses and strains; as noted above, displacing individual elements within a cable may change the electrical, optical, and/or mechanical characteristics of the elements or cable in general.
  • the elements and liners of the present invention are more compact, and thus a cable of a given diameter may accommodate a greater number of elements.
  • locating a liner around an element in accordance with the present invention is likely to be easier, more reliable and thus less expensive than locating an element in a tube and completely filling the tube with a viscous incompressible fluid.
  • a cable comprising a plurality of elongate conducting elements located within and spaced from one another by a stress-bearing matrix substantially throughout the length of the cable, the cable being non-rigid and bendable in multiple planes.
  • the cable is round.
  • the elements are helically wound, and most preferably the elements are wound around a central axis of the cable.
  • the low friction liner may be formed of a friction-reducing material, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), to facilitate sliding movement of the element.
  • ePTFE expanded polytetrafluoroethylene
  • Other materials which may be used include ethylene-propylene copolymer (EPC), polyester, polyethylene, and fluorocarbon or silicon based materials.
  • the matrix fills substantially all of the space between the elements, and is preferably substantially incompressible. This is useful in applications in which the cable experiences high external pressures, for example where the cable serves as ocean bottom cable (OBC). This feature is also useful in minimising the risk of damage or deformation of the cable on passing through a cable squirter or other arrangement defining a nip.
  • OBC ocean bottom cable
  • the elements may include one or more electrical conductors, one or more optical fibres, one or more force transmission members, and ⁇ or one or more fluid transmission conduits for conducting, for example, pressurised gases, hydraulic fluids, exhaust gases or cooling fluids.
  • the electrical conductors may be of copper, silver, or aluminium or alloys containing these materials.
  • the electrical conductors may be insulated by any suitable material, such as ePTFE, ethylene-propylene copolymer (EPC), polyester-based materials such as MIL-ENE ® obtainable from W L Gore & Associates, fluorinated ethylene-propylene copolymer (FEP), or polyvinylchloride (PVC).
  • ePTFE ethylene-propylene copolymer
  • EPC ethylene-propylene copolymer
  • polyester-based materials such as MIL-ENE ® obtainable from W L Gore & Associates, fluorinated ethylene-propylene copolymer (FEP), or polyvinylchloride (PVC).
  • Each conducting element may comprise a single member, or may comprise a plurality of members, for example a liner may accommodate a quad, that is the conducting element may comprise two pairs of electrical conductors.
  • the cable includes load-bearing reinforcing elements.
  • the cable will include a central load-bearing core, and may be provided with an outer sheathing of load-bearing elements.
  • the load-bearing core and sheathing elements may be a synthetic or natural strength member and may comprise a fibrous material.
  • the load-bearing core and sheathing elements may be of: aramid fibre, for example KEVLAR ® fibre material available from DuPont; stainless steel wire; polyamide fibres, such as nylon fibres; or ePTFE fibres such as RASTEX ® fibres obtainable from W L Gore & Associates in Putzbrunn, Germany. These elements may be impregnated with materials which are bondable to the matrix material.
  • a method of forming a cable comprising:
  • the elongate elements are laid into the outer surface of the core before the core has set, such that the core surface deforms to accommodate the elements.
  • the matrix forming material may then be applied to fill any remaining spaces between the elements.
  • the core surface may be subject to heating to prevent the material from setting prior to application of the elements.
  • the method of handling the core will be selected for compatibility with the matrix-forming material setting mechanism.
  • At least some of the elongate elements are provided with sheaths of matrix-forming material which merge with the other elements of matrix-forming material during processing. This method facilitates accurate placement of the elongate elements within the matrix, particularly when the sum of the diameters of the sheathed elongate elements is equivalent to the circumference of the cable at the centres of the elongate elements.
  • a single stage extrusion process is utilised to form the matrix in a single step. This may be achieved by utilising a multi-holed extruder tip and profiled die placed at the gathering point of a non-planetary cabler with a rotating take-up.
  • the matrix is formed using a material which sets by means of a mechanism other than cooling, such as a two-part compound or a heat or UV-curable material.
  • the matrix-forming material is polyurethane, though of course any suitable material may be utilised, including thermoplastic rubber (TPR), polyester (PES); or polyolefins including polyethylene or polypropylene (PP).
  • TPR thermoplastic rubber
  • PET polyester
  • PP polyolefins including polyethylene or polypropylene
  • the core-forming material and sheath-forming materials are the same or similar and will bond to one another.
  • the modulus of the matrix-forming material may be selected to suit particular applications: a low modulus material would result in a more flexible cable but might not be suitable for use in cable experiencing high pressures and would not be well adapted to transfer load, whereas a higher modulus material would be less flexible but better adapted to withstand pressure and loads.
  • One or both of the core and the sheath may be extruded.
  • the matrix-forming material core is formed around a central load-bearing core.
  • the provision of the stress-bearing matrix around the core allows forces applied externally to the cable, for example by a cable squirter, to be more evenly distributed around and effectively transferred to the load-bearing core.
  • any forces applied or transferred to the elements result in the elements tending to move individually relative to the matrix, rather than as a single composite unit as in conventional cables.
  • This has significant advantages where "takeouts" are provided in a cable, that is when an element, or a portion of an element, sometimes known as a "pig-tail", is pulled out of the cable for connection to a device, sensor and the like mounted on the cable.
  • the tendency for the conductor layer to move longitudinally as a unit relative to overlying sheaths increases the risk of the pig-tail being sheared due to movement between the elements and the overlying sheaths.
  • the tendency for such movement is substantially reduced, and as elements will tend to move individually within the cable any movement will follow the helical path of the respective element, substantially reducing the risk of shearing.
  • the window which is cut in the cable sheath to form the take out may be relatively small in cables according to embodiments of the present invention, as described below.
  • the window which is cut in the outer sheath or jacket is generally of the same dimensions as the pig-tail, thus a 7.5 cm pig-tail will result in a 7.5 cm window being cut in the cable sheath or jacket.
  • This will result in the outer reinforcing fibres, typically KEVLAR braid, being cut through at a number of points, weakening the cable.
  • the provision of elements isolated and spaced apart by the matrix, and also the use of transparent sheathing allows an operator to form a pig-tail by cutting or drilling two relatively small holes to intersect the selected element, cutting the element at one hole and then pulling the cut tail of the element through the other hole. It will normally be possible to cut the holes without damaging the outer reinforcing fibres and weakening the cables, and to pull the element from the matrix without sustaining damage.
  • a combination of a cable and a device comprising: a cable with an outer surface and having a stress-bearing matrix extending substantially through the length of the cable, a plurality of conducting elements each extending in a path substantially through the length of the cable and being located within and spaced from one another by said stress-bearing matrix, at least one hole being cut from the outer surface of the cable to a point within said stress-bearing matrix and intersecting the path of at least one of the plurality of conducting elements; wherein at least one of the plurality of conducting elements extends through said at least one hole and is connected to the device.
  • a take out in a cable comprising at least one elongate element extending along a path through the body of the cable and contained within a sheath, the method comprising:
  • the element is movable relative to the body of the cable and is most preferably provided within a low-friction liner.
  • the overlying matrix material is selected to be transparent, such that the location of the element and any sensitive overlying elements (for example reinforcing fibres, adjacent elements and the like) within the body of the cable may be ascertained by visual inspection.
  • any sensitive overlying elements for example reinforcing fibres, adjacent elements and the like
  • the cable 8 comprises an outer sheath or jacket 10, a continuous load-bearing polyurethane matrix 12 extending throughout the length of the cable and within which are set: a load-bearing central aramid fibre core 14; a plurality of helically wound elongate elements in the form of insulated conductors 16; and outer aramid fibre reinforcement in the form of a braid 18.
  • the insulated conductors 16 and the core 14 are separated by the matrix 12, with the matrix extending between the insulated conductors 16.
  • the insulated conductors 16 are contained within liners 17 and are movable relative to the liners 17.
  • Steps in forming at least the inner portion of the cable 10 are illustrated in Figures 3 through 6 of the drawings.
  • the load-bearing fibrous core 14 ( Figure 3) is passed through an extrusion die and a core 22 of matrix-forming material 25 extruded over the fibrous core 14 ( Figure 4).
  • the core 22 is retained at an elevated temperature by appropriate heaters.
  • the heated core 22 is then passed through a cabling station, where the insulated conductors 16, in their liners 17, are pressed into the hot outer surface of the core 22.
  • the outer surface of the core 22 deforms to accommodate the insulated conductors 16 to form core 26 ( Figure 5).
  • the core 26 is then passed through a further extrusion die, where a sheath of matrix-forming material 24 is extruded over the core 26, the material 24 moving into the spaces between the insulated conductors 16 to bond with the core material 22.
  • the core material 22 and sheath material 24 are then permitted to set, in the process bonding to form the homogeneous matrix 12 and a core 28 ( Figure 6).
  • Other layers of material, such as the outer fibre reinforcement 18 and ⁇ or overlying jackets 10 may subsequently be applied over the core 28.
  • the outer jackets 10 and the materials 24 and 25 which make up matrix 12 are of the same or similar materials which are bondable with one another, preferably polyurethane.
  • FIG. 7 of the drawings illustrates a step in an alternative, and preferred, method of forming the inner portion of a cable in accordance with the present invention.
  • the heated core 122 is passed through a cabling station, where heated conductors 116, provided with ePTFE liners 117 and thicker polyurethane sleeves 119, are pressed into the soft outer surface of the core 122.
  • a sheath of matrix-forming material is subsequently extruded over the sheathed conductors 116.
  • the method is preferred as it facilitates location of the conductors 116 around the core 122: the sum of the diameters of the sheathed conductors 116 is approximately equivalent to the desired circumference of the cable at the centres of the conductors.
  • a single stage extrusion may be utilised, to form the matrix 12 in a single step. This may be achieved by utilising a multi-holed tip and profiled die placed at the gathering point of a non-planetary cabler with a rotating take-up.
  • the matrix is formed of a two-part polyurethane compound.
  • the compound may be injected onto polyurethane-sheathed components at a cross-head located at the gathering point of a cabler. If required, a polyurethane binder may then be bound around the cable to hold the matrix-forming material in place while the polyurethane compound sets.
  • the cable 208 comprises an outer jacket 210, a stress-bearing polyurethane matrix 212 extending through the length of the cable and within which are retained: a load-bearing central aramid fibre core or strength member 214; a plurality of conducting elements in the form of power and sensor quads 216 (that is each element contains two pairs of conductors); and outer braided aramid strength members 218.
  • the quads 216 are contained within close-fitting low friction ePTFE liners 217 such that the quads 216 are longitudinally movable relative to the matrix 212.
  • the Figures illustrate steps in the formation of the cable 208, Figure 8 showing the cable construction after a star-shaped core 222 of polyurethane has been extruded onto the central strength member 214, and the quads 216 laid in the grooves 223 defined in the surface of the core 222.
  • the grooves 223 may extend helically to facilitate bending of the cable, or may extend axially.
  • a inner "jacket" 224 of polyurethane material is then pressure extruded over the core 222 and quads 216 to fill the grooves, as illustrated in Figure 9, the core 222 and jacket 224 setting and bonding to form the substantially homogeneous matrix 212.
  • the braiding 218 is then applied and the outer jacket 210 extruded onto the matrix 212, the finished cable being illustrated in Figure 10.
  • This embodiment provides improved component isolation, and the location of the components in the matrix 212 provides excellent load transfer from the outer jacket 210 to the central strength member 214.
  • FIG. 11 of the drawings is a diagrammatic longitudinal sectional view of a combination of a cable and a sensor in accordance with an embodiment of another aspect of the present invention.
  • the cable 308 is of similar construction to the cables described above, comprising a transparent polyurethane outer jacket 310, a stress-bearing polyurethane matrix 312, a central strength member 314, a plurality of helically wound quads 316, and outer reinforcing aramid braid 318.
  • the quads 316 are contained within close-fitting low friction ePTFE liners 317 such that the quads 316 are longitudinally movable relative to the matrix 312.
  • One of the quads 316 is shown extending through the jacket 310 and braid 318 to connect to a device, in the form of a sensor 350, mounted on the cable 308.
  • the illustrated arrangement is utilised for mounting sensors on OBC and the method of forming the "take out” to allow the formation of a connection between the cable 308 and the sensor 350 is described below.
  • the quads 316 are visible within the cable 308, allowing an operator to visually locate a required quad 316; in the region where the sensor 350 is to be located on the cable 308, the operator then identifies a point along the length of the required quad 316 where the overlying aramid braid 318 does not obstruct access to the quad 316.
  • a hot (around 250°C) iron with a blunt tip the operator then bores through the jacket 310 down to the quad 316, taking care not to damage or expose any of the braid 318.
  • the exposed quad 316 is then hooked with a tool, care being taken not to nick neighbouring components.
  • the quad 316 is then pulled through the hole 352 formed in the jacket 310 and cut with suitable pair of cutters, ensuring that all components of the quad 316 are cut, including, in this example, an aramid strength member and the low friction ePTFE binder 317.
  • the operator then visually locates a point along the quad 316 approximately 10 cm (four inches) from the cut point in the direction of the cable end connector in which the overlying braid 318 does not obstruct access to the quad 316.
  • the operator then burns a trough 354 in the jacket 310 parallel and above the quad 316 down to just above the aramid braid 318, and then, with the blunt tip of the iron, bores through the outer jacket 310 down to the quad 316. Any excess polyurethane is trimmed away, and the trough 354 tapered into the hole 356, again care being taken not to damage or expose any of the braid 318.
  • the loose end or tail of the quad 316 is then slowly pulled through the hole 356. If the ePTFE binder 317 is damaged, the base of the exposed tail is taped with PTFE pipe tape. A short PTFE tube 358 is then slid over the quad 316 and inserted into the hole 356. The polyurethane in the area around the base of the tube 358 is then heated with the side of the hot iron and polyurethane-based adhesive applied with a hot melt gun. The free end of the tube 358 is then laid in the trough 354 and adhesive applied from the hot melt gun over the top and sides of the tube 358 to secure the tube 358 to the cable 308. The hot iron and hot melt gun are then utilised to patch the quad cut hole 352.
  • the quad 316 is then terminated as described below (but which level of detail is not shown in the Figure).
  • the quad strength member is tied to an anchor and the anchor attached to the cable with hot melt adhesive such that the strength member exits directly out of the tube 358.
  • a service loop is then constructed, by threading approximately 5 cm (two inches) of the quad 316 into the tube 358 such that it forms an S-bend inside the tube 358, and sealing the end of the tube 358 with hot melt adhesive.
  • the quad is then terminated, by slipping a boot seal over each of the individual quad wires and, with a connector locking ring in place, soldering each wire into an appropriate solder cup. Once the solder joints have been cleaned of flux, the boot seals are slid down over the solder cups.
  • a mould is placed around the takeout and natural polyurethane 360 injected into the mould. On the polyurethane setting, the mould is removed and any excess polyurethane flash removed. The sensor 350 may then be connected to the quad 316 and secured to the cable 308.
  • the cables of the present invention permit a takeout to be formed by only removing or forming two small holes on the cable jacket, and without damaging the reinforcing braid. Further, in the present invention, the holes may be resealed, unlike takeouts in existing cables in which a large cutout must be retained to accommodate the relative movement which occurs between the individual conductors and the outer cable jacket.
  • composition of the cables described above offer numerous advantages over the prior art cables, including: enhanced ability to transfer longitudinal or shear forces radially through the cable to the load bearing elements; increased resistance to radial compression, whether resulting from fluid pressure or mechanical pressure; absence of contact and abrasion between the elements; and greater isolation of the conductors from forces applied to the cable, thereby retaining flexibility throughout the cable.
  • problems associated with the movement of component layers relative to overlying layers such as those encountered in the construction of takeouts and as specifically discussed above, are obviated.
  • the cable also remains flexible and bendable in multiple planes, facilitating handling and increasing the number of dynamic applications in which the cable may be utilised.
  • the matrix will not tend to deform to any great extent when subject to stress, particularly under longitudinal or shear stresses.
  • the matrix may transfer forces applied to the exterior of the cables by a squirter to the load-bearing core without substantial deformation, mitigating disruption to the internal cable configuration and damage to the conductors.
  • the elongate elements may include optical fibres, force transmission cables or fluid conduits and the liners may be omitted or modified such that there is a predetermined transfer of forces from the matrix to selected elongate elements, which may be useful in reinforcing the cable.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Insulated Conductors (AREA)
  • Flexible Shafts (AREA)
  • Laying Of Electric Cables Or Lines Outside (AREA)
  • Control Of Motors That Do Not Use Commutators (AREA)
  • Electric Cable Arrangement Between Relatively Moving Parts (AREA)
  • Cable Transmission Systems, Equalization Of Radio And Reduction Of Echo (AREA)
  • Organic Insulating Materials (AREA)

Claims (27)

  1. Câble (8), comprenant: une matrice de support des contraintes (12) s'étendant pratiquement à travers la longueur du câble; et plusieurs éléments conducteurs (16) s'étendant pratiquement à travers la longueur du câble, lesdits plusieurs éléments conducteurs étant agencés dans ladite matrice de support des contraintes (12) et étant espacés les uns des autres par celle-ci, au moins un des plusieurs éléments conducteurs (16) étant en contact intime avec un revêtement à coefficient de frottement réduit (17) agencé autour de l'au moins un des plusieurs éléments conducteurs (16), au moins un des éléments conducteurs pouvant être déplacé longitudinalement par rapport à la matrice de support des contraintes (12).
  2. Câble selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit revêtement à coefficient de frottement réduit (17) est composé de polytétrafluoréthylène expansé (ePTFE).
  3. Câble selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit revêtement à coefficient de frottement réduit (17) est composé d'un matériau à base de fluorocarbone, par exemple de PTFE, de FEP ou de PFA; de silicones; de graphites; de talcs; de polyéthylènes; de polypropylènes; d'EPC; de polyesters.
  4. Câble selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit revêtement à coefficient de frottement réduit (17) est composé d'un matériau ne se prêtant pas à une liaison avec le matériau composant la matrice (12).
  5. Câble selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les éléments conducteurs (16) sont enroulés de manière hélicoïdale.
  6. Câble selon la revendication 1, dans lequel au moins un des éléments conducteurs (16) est un conducteur électrique.
  7. Câble selon la revendication 1, dans lequel au moins un des éléments conducteurs (16) est une fibre optique.
  8. Câble selon la revendication 1, dans lequel au moins un des éléments conducteurs (16) est un élément de transmission de force.
  9. Câble selon la revendication 1, dans lequel au moins un des éléments conducteurs (16) est un conduit de fluide.
  10. Câble selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la matrice (12) occupe pratiquement l'ensemble de l'espace entre les éléments conducteurs (16).
  11. Câble selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le câble comprend en outre des éléments de renforcement à support de la charge (14).
  12. Câble selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le câble comprend en outre des éléments de renforcement fibreux à support de la charge (14).
  13. Câble selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le câble comprend en outre une âme centrale à support de la charge (14).
  14. Câble selon la revendication 1, dans lequel au moins un desdits éléments conducteurs (16) peut être déplacé longitudinalement par rapport audit revêtement à coefficient de frottement réduit (17).
  15. Procédé de formation d'un câble, comprenant les étapes ci-dessous:
    formation d'une âme à partir du matériau composant la matrice (12), comportant une surface externe;
    positionnement d'éléments conducteurs allongés (16) dans une relation à espacement circonférentiel dans ladite surface externe de ladite âme; et
    au moins un desdits éléments allongés et ledit revêtement à coefficient de frottement réduit comportant un manchon (119) composé d'un matériau se prêtant à une liaison avec le matériau composant la matrice;
    application du matériau composant la matrice au-dessus des éléments, des revêtements à coefficient de frottement réduit et des manchons pour former une gaine se liant aux manchons.
  16. Procédé selon la revendication 15, dans lequel ledit revêtement à coefficient de frottement réduit est lié autour de l'élément.
  17. Procédé selon la revendication 15, dans lequel les éléments allongés sont positionnés dans la surface externe de l'âme avant le durcissement de l'âme, de sorte que la surface de l'âme se déforme pour recevoir les éléments.
  18. Procédé selon la revendication 15, dans lequel la surface de l'âme est soumise à un chauffage pour empêcher un durcissement du matériau avant l'application des éléments.
  19. Procédé selon la revendication 15, dans lequel les matériaux composant l'âme et la gaine sont identiques ou similaires.
  20. Procédé selon la revendication 15, dans lequel au moins un des éléments, l'âme ou la gaine, est extrudé.
  21. Procédé selon la revendication 15, dans lequel l'âme de matériau composant la matrice est formé autour d'une âme centrale à support de la charge.
  22. Procédé selon la revendication 15, dans lequel le matériau composant la matrice est du polyuréthane.
  23. Procédé selon la revendication 15, dans lequel le matériau composant la matrice est appliqué autour des éléments allongés dans le cadre d'une seule étape d'extrusion.
  24. Procédé selon la revendication 15, dans lequel le matériau composant la matrice est une composition à deux composants.
  25. Procédé selon la revendication 24, dans lequel le matériau composant la matrice est injecté sur les éléments allongés au cours du câblage.
  26. Procédé selon la revendication 24, dans lequel un liant ou une enveloppe est lié autour du câble pour retenir le matériau composant la matrice dans sa position, au moins jusqu'à son durcissement.
  27. Procédé selon la revendication 26, dans lequel ledit liant ou ladite enveloppe se lie au matériau composant la matrice.
EP99938011A 1998-03-02 1999-03-02 Cable Expired - Lifetime EP0979516B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9804415 1998-03-02
GBGB9804415.9A GB9804415D0 (en) 1998-03-02 1998-03-02 Cable
PCT/IB1999/000449 WO1999045548A1 (fr) 1998-03-02 1999-03-02 Cable

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0979516A1 EP0979516A1 (fr) 2000-02-16
EP0979516B1 true EP0979516B1 (fr) 2007-05-09

Family

ID=10827854

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99938011A Expired - Lifetime EP0979516B1 (fr) 1998-03-02 1999-03-02 Cable
EP99938012A Expired - Lifetime EP0985216B1 (fr) 1998-03-02 1999-03-02 Combinaison d'un cable et d'un dispositif et procede de mettre en place un point de prelevement dans un cable

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99938012A Expired - Lifetime EP0985216B1 (fr) 1998-03-02 1999-03-02 Combinaison d'un cable et d'un dispositif et procede de mettre en place un point de prelevement dans un cable

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (2) US6424768B1 (fr)
EP (2) EP0979516B1 (fr)
AT (2) ATE362182T1 (fr)
AU (2) AU748339B2 (fr)
DE (2) DE69936022T2 (fr)
GB (1) GB9804415D0 (fr)
NO (2) NO326220B1 (fr)
WO (2) WO1999045549A1 (fr)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9804415D0 (en) 1998-04-29
AU3268699A (en) 1999-09-20
NO326990B1 (no) 2009-03-30
NO995317D0 (no) 1999-11-01
EP0979516A1 (fr) 2000-02-16
NO326220B1 (no) 2008-10-20
DE69921749D1 (de) 2004-12-16
AU748339B2 (en) 2002-06-06
NO995317L (no) 1999-12-30
DE69936022D1 (de) 2007-06-21
DE69936022T2 (de) 2008-01-10
US20020121388A1 (en) 2002-09-05
AU760984B2 (en) 2003-05-29
WO1999045548A1 (fr) 1999-09-10
DE69921749T2 (de) 2005-11-10
US6566604B2 (en) 2003-05-20
WO1999045549A1 (fr) 1999-09-10
EP0985216A1 (fr) 2000-03-15
EP0985216B1 (fr) 2004-11-10
WO1999045548A8 (fr) 2000-08-10
AU3268599A (en) 1999-09-20
NO995318L (no) 1999-12-30
ATE362182T1 (de) 2007-06-15
NO995318D0 (no) 1999-11-01
US6424768B1 (en) 2002-07-23
ATE282240T1 (de) 2004-11-15

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